Former Man City Title Winner Had Summer 2016 Move to West Ham Blocked by Parent Club

West Ham almost signed a former Premier League title winner back in 2016. Former Manchester City defender Micah Richards has faded into obscurity during an injury ridden spell with Aston Villa, but could have still been competing in the Premier League if this proposed deal had not been blocked.

According to the Daily Mail, Villa had the chance to get Richards off their books in 2016 when West Ham came knocking for the defender. But then-manager Roberto Di Matteo blocked the move.

After a year spent on loan at Fiorentina, Richards left Manchester City permanently in 2015 when he signed a four-year-deal with Aston Villa. Richards would be relegated with Villa in his first season at the club, which opened the door for the Hammers to make a move.

OLI SCARFF/GettyImages

West Ham were reportedly willing to double Richards wages, which had been reduced due to Villa's drop into the Championship. The Hammers wanted to take him on a season-long loan in view of a permanent move. Instead, Di Matteo blocked the move as he wanted Richards as cover for Tommy Elphick and Nathan Baker.

Micah Richards wages will double from £35k a week to £70K, if Villa are promoted. It has also been revealed former boss Roberto Di Matteo rejected a season long loan offer from West Ham for the defender. (Via The Birmingham Mail) #AVFC

The same report claims that Di Matteo's successor, Steve Bruce, has been reluctant to play Richards as he is concerned that his fitness cannot cope with two games a week.

The decision ultimately worked out well for West Ham, who avoided having to pay wages to player who would be sidelined for a lengthy period of time. Meanwhile, Aston Villa are pushing for promotion back to the Premier League. The Villans are four points adrift of an automatic promotion place.

You May Like

More Soccer

Sign Up for our Newsletter

Don't get stuck on the sidelines! Sign up to get exclusives, daily highlights, analysis and more—delivered right to your inbox!